Kyabram SES first in line for ‘next generation’ of rescue trucks

By Jemma Jones

May 20, 2025

Kyabram is first in line for new state equipment. Pictured are Loddon and Kyabram SES members Rebecca McDonald, Layton Miller, Gail Octigan, Renee Webb, Paul Octigan and Bill Murray. Photo by Jemma Jones

The Kyabram SES unit is set to receive vital new equipment, as part of a significant announcement involving the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.

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On Thursday, May 15, the Victorian Government announced Kyabram SES would be one of the first in line for the rolling fleet replacement program.

In the program, the Kyabram SES will have their medium rescue truck replaced with a new generation version to improve the efficiency of emergency services in the region.

Victorian Government ministers Jaclyn Symes and Vicki Ward emphasised that these funding changes would ensure emergency services were well-equipped to protect communities.

“These changes will give emergency services the funding and equipment they need as they face natural disasters which are happening more often and becoming more destructive,” Ms Symes said.

The Victorian Government is investing $110 million through the ESVF to fund this comprehensive program, which will deliver new trucks to SES units across Victoria, including Glen Eira, Geelong, Alexander, Kinglake, Essendon, Chelsea, Otway, Beechworth and Murrayville.

Kyabram SES controller Paul Octigan said he was pleased to hear that the truck would be replaced.

“The truck was due for a replacement, but I didn’t expect to get it this year,” Mr Octigan said.

He said the replaced truck would be helpful to support surrounding units complete their Roadside Rescue accreditation in Rushworth and Rochester.

“This new vehicle will go a long way to helping with carrying the RCR equipment to those units as we currently go out to Rushworth and Rochester for incidents,” Mr Octigan said.

The Kyabram unit has been operating with two self-financed four-wheel drives and an ageing 15-year-old medium rescue truck, highlighting the need for this upgrade.

The new generation truck will replace the unit’s current truck, which has reached its lifespan.

A spokesperson for the Victorian Government said the vehicles were “still being designed” but will follow a similar approach to the next generation heavy rescue truck rolled out to the Wedderburn SES Unit in 2024.

The truck, compared to the current one, will have improved ergonomic design, safety and technology features, stowage and performance.

The Kyabram unit responded to 122 incidents in 2024 and has 34 volunteers ranging from junior to senior members.

“This new truck will enhance the services we can offer, and better look after the volunteers, and provide a better way to transport equipment and make it more volunteer friendly,” he said.